PRIMROSE. 39 
PRIMROSE. 
CHILDHOOD. 
From the early bloom of this flower, it is called 
by Linneus, the father of the modern system of bo- 
tany, primula Veris — the firstling of Spring. The 
Auricula, Polyanthus, and Cowslip, belong to this 
family. 
The Primrose was anciently called Paralisos, the 
name of a beautiful youth, who died of grief for the 
loss of his betrothed Melicerta, and was metamor- 
phosed by his parents into this flower, which has 
since divided the favour of the poets with the Violet 
and the Rose. 
Beneath the sylvan canopy, the ground 
Glitters with flowery dyes ; the Primrose first, 
In mossy dell, return of Spring to greet. 
Gisborne. 
The Primrose pale is Nature's meek and modest child. 
Balfour. 
The Primrose, tenant of the glade, 
Emblem of virtue in the shade. 
Mayne. 
